Digital Illustration ILL 3030 01 Fall 2009 James O’Brien, instructor Meeting time: Thursdays, 1—6pm, Room 231 Office hours: Room 322, Thursdays and Fridays, noon—1pm or by appointment E-mail: [email protected] Prerequisite Introduction to Illustration (ILL-2000) Course description This course examines the use of the computer as a medium and as an additional tool for illustrators. Through projects, discussions, and lectures, a variety of digital techniques and working methods will be explored as well as a review of the historical development and current directions of digital illustration. Other topics will include file management, preparation of art for clients, saving and organizing digital files, preparing images for web use, and printing for exhibit. Similar to core illustration studio classes, assignments will have an emphasis on concept, creativity, communication, technical achievement, and presentation. Coursework will consist of a series of assigned projects and in-class exercises. Assignments will follow a flexible path from simple to more complex as the term develops. Exploration and experimentation will be encouraged along with refinement of familiar methods and techniques. Class time will be used for individual and group critiques and work time on exercises and assignments. Coursework will include individual projects with in-class reviews and critiques and discussion of preliminary concepts, concept development, and final execution. Learning objectives • incorporate the digital medium into the illustration process. • develop and refine digital image-making techniques. • become more familiar with digital image-making applications and equipment. • become more familiar with the requirements needed for the professional delivery and presentation of digital art. • reinforce illustration skills and process. • develop a better understanding of the digital medium’s history and development. Teaching methodology There will be a series of assigned projects throughout the course including in-class assignments as well as homework assignments. Coursework will follow a flexible path from simple to more complex assignments. Exploration and experimentation are encouraged along with refinement of familiar methods and techniques. Class time will be used for individual and group critiques and work time on exercises and assignments. Coursework will include a number of individual projects with in-class critique and discussion of preliminary concepts, concept development, and final execution. Student work will be evaluated on presentation and craftsmanship, clarity of intention, inventiveness, organization and interpretation of directions, individual effort, and class participation. Student work will be graded using a letter grade system and will be evaluated on presentation and craftsmanship, clarity of intention, inventiveness, organization and interpretation of directions, individual effort, attendance, and class participation. Method of assessment • presentation and craftsmanship • clarity of intention • inventiveness • organization and interpretation of directions • individual effort • class participation Materials and supplies • access to a computer and software during class time and for homework. • personal storage device for backup (jump drive, external HD, web storage, etc.) • sketchbook journal and miscellaneous drawing and painting supplies. • digital camera (a mobile phone camera is sufficient for research but not for images used in final art). • mounting supplies (museum board, adhesive, x-acto knife, straight-edge, etc.). Attendance policy Attendance is mandatory. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class period. You are expected to be present for the duration of the class period. Excessive absences will affect your final grade. Tardy arrivals or early departures from class will be noted. Two absences will result in your final course grade being dropped one full letter grade (i.e., "B" to "C"). Three absences may result in your final course grade being dropped two full letter grades. Late arrivals and/or early departures totaling three will be the equivalent of one absence. If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to let me know that you are in class so that I can mark you as tardy but present in my attendance log, otherwise an absence mark will remain. Student responsibilities • All course work and assignments must be turned in on time and completed to the best of your ability. Late work will receive a lower grade, by at least one full letter grade (i.e., "B" to "C"). No late work will be accepted after one week following the original due date. • Students are expected to participate and contribute to class critiques. Class participation will considered when calculating your final grade for the course. • Students are expected to take notes during class demonstrations and discussions and maintain these notes along with class handouts and assignment sheets. • No food during class time. Beverages are allowed according to classroom and computer lab rules. • Cell phones need to be turned off during class time. Muting is not allowed. No calls are to be made or received during work sessions. • No email and web browsing (unless for project research). Each class session will have two 15 minute breaks, this is when you will be able to use your phone and check email. Special needs If you have a learning disability or have any special needs, feel free to speak to me during my office hours so that we can make arrangements for accommodations. Additionally, the MCAD Learning Center tutors are available for help with software as well as with time management. Instructor's bio I have taught design and illustration courses at MCAD since 1998, when I initiated the Digital Illustration curriculum for the Illustration Department. I have worked as a practicing illustrator since 1989 working with a wide range of clients including Microsoft, American Express, Sears, Target Stores, Delta Airlines, Hewlett-Packard, McGraw-Hill, Scholastic Press, Smithsonian, Business Week, PC Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, LA Times, and The New York Times. My work has been recognized by The Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, AIGA, Communication Arts, PRINT, The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, The Society of Publication Designers, Step-by-Step Graphics, Creative Quarterly, Luezner’s Archive, and 3X3 Magazine. I hold a BFA in Graphic Design from MCAD (1989), an MA in Illustration from Syracuse University (2006), and an MFA in Illustration from the University of Hartford (2008). You can see examples of my work at: http://jamesobrien.us/portfolio http://www.theispot.com/artist/obrien http://illoz.com/jamesobrien Resources and readings Websites • Adobe Design Center "Design Center - Galleries, articles and tips on motion and interactive design." Adobe. Web. 09 Aug. 2009. <http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/>. • Adobe Video Workshop Adobe. Web. 09 Aug. 2009. <http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/>. • Lynda.com "Illustration training, tutorials, online classes & how-to's." Tutorials - Online Training - lynda.com. Web. 09 Aug. 2009. <http://www.lynda.com/home/ViewCourses.aspx?lpk0=123>. • The iSpot "Illustration portfolios, assignment illustration, illustrators, commercial art." Illustration, stock illustration, new illustration portal, illustrators, spot illustration, commercial art. Web. 09 Aug. 2009. <http://www.theispot.com/portfolios/index.cfm?searchSource=homepage&searchPortfolios=Digital%2C+>. • Workbook "WORKBOOK Assignment Illustration & Illustrator, Letterer & Designer Portfolios." WORKBOOK Photography & Illustration Portfolios, Creative Contact Database. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.workbook.com/illustration>. • American Illustration AI -AP. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.ai-ap.com>. • Drawger Drawger.com. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://drawger.com>. • Illoz Illoz. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://illoz.com>. • Picture Mechanics Picture Mechanics - HOME. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.picturemechanics.com>. • Today’s Inspiration: Today's Inspiration. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.com>. • Computer Arts "Computer Arts - Digital illustration." Computer Arts - Home. Web. 09 Aug. 2009. <http://www.computerarts.co.uk/in_depth/features/digital_illustration>. • Communication Arts Communication Arts - Home. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.commarts.com/>. • How Magazine HOW Design - The leading creativity, business and technology magazine for Graphic Designers. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.howdesign.com>. • PRINT Print: Design for Curious Minds. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.printmag.com>. • Society of Illustrators • Spectrum Spectrum Fantastic Art - http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com>. • Creative Quarterly Creative Quarterly: The Journal for Art & Design. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://cqjournal.com>. • The Little Chimp Society LCSV4 The Illustration News Portal. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://thelittlechimpsociety.com/>. • My Love for You is a Stampede of Horses My love for you is a stampede of horses. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.myloveforyou.typepad.com>. • Illustration Friday Illustration Friday. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.illustrationfriday.com>. • The Art Department The Art Department. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://igallo.blogspot.com>. • Tor "Tor.com / Science fiction and fantasy / Gallery." Tor.com / Science fiction and fantasy / Weblog, short fiction, art, and discussion. Web. 25 Aug. 2009. <http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=galleries>.